Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is the first African American to lead the Pentagon, has been hospitalized again at Walter Reed due to a possible “bladder issue” that was related to his previous surgery. He has transferred his duties to his deputy Kathleen Hicks temporarily.
According to a statement made by the Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, he said:
“Earlier today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue. He is still at the hospital and receiving treatment.
At approximately 4:55 pm today, Secretary Austin transferred the functions and duties of the office of the Secretary of Defense to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The Deputy Secretary of Defense has assumed the functions and duties. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been notified.”
He also mentioned that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been informed as well about the Defense Secretary’s health condition.
Lloyd Austin, 68, had previously undergone surgery for prostate cancer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on December 22nd, 2023. He was discharged after a successful procedure and excellent prognosis.
However, he returned to the hospital on January 1st, 2024, due to post-surgical complications. The Pentagon did not publicly disclose Austin’s diagnosis, treatment, or hospitalization until January 5th, after media reports revealed his absence from work.
The Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is a retired four-star Army general and a former commander of the U.S. Central Command. He was confirmed as the defense secretary by the Senate on January 22nd, 2021.
